While Rome Burns

At least when the White Sox were losing 100-plus games a season, they were consistent. Now, it’s a matter of two steps forward, one back. Or is it 1-1/2? And on what days? I take no particular joy in saying the Sox manager bears much of the responsibility for the state of things. Why, for example, does he play catcher Jake Rogers? In last night’s 2-0 loss to the Pirates, Rogers went 0-for-3 trying to throw out runners on steal attempts. The last one really mattered because it set up an insurance run in the eighth inning. Did I mention Rogers went 0-for-2 at the plate or that he’s now hitting .118—4-for-34—since being picked up from the Red Sox? While I’m at it, let me also point out that Sox batters have basically stopped hitting. Last night, they managed all of two hits, the first coming with two out in the seventh, and two walks while whiffing eleven times. Me, I can’t believe they got swept at home by Pittsburgh. With the manager, it’s full steam ahead on the Titanic. Naturally, after the game he had all sorts of praise for the other side in his postgame remarks: “It was a tough day obviously. You’ve got to give some credit to these arms that they have over there, which are really good. We saw some really good fastballs this series.” [all quotes from today’s online Trib story] Oh, God, there’s more. The manager also told reporters he thinks “our clubhouse and our vibe inside there is in a really good spot.” News flash, Skipper: It’s the wins that count, not the vibe. If you don‘t know that by now, the vibe will disappear soon enough.